SYDNEY (Reuters) – India’s Ravindra Jadeja has loosened his left thumb, the team said Sunday, making it highly unlikely the collector will have another role in the third test against Australia.
The news of Rishabh Pant, who was sent out for scans after being hit by an Australian bouncer while batting on Saturday, was more promising though.
The wicketkeeper was still suffering from some pain in his elbow and receiving treatment, the team said.
Wriddhiman Saha replaced Pant behind the stumps for the second innings in Australia but the experienced reserve would not be able to bat.
With Australia leading the lead to 250 runs with seven wickets in hand in the first 90 minutes on day four, it looks like India will need a big batting effort in their second innings to avoid going 2-1 down in the four-game series.
Jadeja’s loss will be a huge blow to the tourists and not just for his bat.
He took four wickets with his left-arm spinning bowl that was right and cunning in Australia’s first innings, which ended with a brilliant piece of field to run Steve Smith out.
Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Edited by Daniel Wallis